Hi.. I,m just catching this post now-3yrs later!!- but, oh well, ... I think the problem you,re describing, is something called 'blackspot'. It,s a fungus that can overwinter on the ground and on the plant. Eventually, if it hasn,t already, it can kill the rose, by weakening it. Things I,ve tried and read about, is to make sure you collect as much of the fallen leaves contaminated with it, and dispose of it in the garbage-not your compost-. Mulching,helps prevent the fungus from spraying up onto the leaves when it,s raining or being watered. Spraying the roses affected, in the first of the spring helps too. Use a lime/sulpher dormancy oil spray, just before the leaf buds come out with new growth. Usually, about the time the forsythia is blooming around my area( Hamilton, Ontario) ,which is pretty close to your own area zone-wise.(5-6) . Some people swear by using a mix of baking soda /water/mild soap to spray on the leaves in between rains. Or, even a mix of water and milk. I think ,from my own attempts, those are less affective. In the end, it,s virtually impossible to completely illiminate it,once it,s introduced to your garden. Nearly every garden has it,and it,s very common to roses in particular. Good strong plants and resistant varieties and good hygiene are your best bets in this game. Good luck,and hope it,s not too late for all of this imput! Lenage.
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